1999 Lexus RX300 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 221 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1999 Lexus RX300, 3% of the 221 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1999 Lexus RX300. While driving 35 MPH, the headlights dimmed and made visibility very difficult for the contact. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11132130, filed 2018-09, 90,000 miles“I have experienced several problems with my 1999 Lexus RX300. I have notice via the internet that these are wide spread problems but no recalls have been occurring. These are the incidences that I have problems with: * debris can get into the idle air control valve that allows air into the engine causing the engine to have a low idle speed, or stall when it is cold. (this occurred in the past, perhaps 2004. Lexus eventually replaced my engine in 2005.) * sludge can build up in the engine. I routinely have to have the sludge cleaned out to avoid engine problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10251716, filed 2008-12“The contact owns a 1999 Lexus RX300. The brake light failed to illuminate when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who informed the contact of NHTSA campaign number: 99v011000 (exterior lighting), which was related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10870291, filed 2016-05, 184,000 miles“The contact was driving a 99 Lexus RX300 and was told by another driver that tail lights were out. The contact was driving 45 MPH and the road was dry. The contact took the vehicle to the repair shop. The repair shop diagnosed the the problem as an electrical short. The repair shop told contact about recall campaign 99v01100. The contact called dealer and gave them VIN ,and she was told there was no recall campaigns. Kb. Updated 1/29/2007 -”
NHTSA complaint #10177244, filed 2006-12, 78,920 miles“After attaching a u-haul trailer to the RX300 trailer hitch, the tail lights, turn signals and trailer lights weren't functioning. U-haul technicians checked the vehicle, but wasn't successful to find the cause of the problem. Consumer went to a different service dealer to repair problem with the rear lighting and trailer lights. Vehicle was serviced and installed a new converter box and trailer wire harness where the dealer said it was the upgrade version of the component.”
NHTSA complaint #10065185, filed 2004-03Related recalls
- 99V011000Jan 20, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The headlights and taillights may not automatically illuminate in low ambient light when the headlight switch is…Covers: Lexus RX300 1999
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Lexus RX300
129 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Lexus RX300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology